“There’s not enough money”: CFB insider takes subtle dig at Phil Knight-sponsored Oregon following unique entry to Big Ten Media Days

The Oregon Ducks will soon start their first-ever season in the Big Ten Conference. 2024 could be a successful year for Oregon, with many analysts saying that the Ducks are one of the better teams in the conference, and could make it to the conference championship game.

On Thursday, the Ducks' Big Ten journey begins with an appearance at Big Ten Media Days. But even before Dan Lanning makes his way to the podium, the Ducks have already been turning heads.

Before their arrival, a giant inflatable Oregon Duck was seen at White River in Indianapolis, where the Big Ten Media Days will be held.

This stunt did not go down well with college basketball analyst Jay Bilas, who responded to it on Instagram by saying,

"Remember, there's not enough money"

(image credit: instagram/jaybilas)

This comment may be a dig at Nike, who is the uniform provider of the Ducks. Additionally, Nike is associated with Eugene, Oregon (where the Ducks are based), and its founder Phil Knight went to the University of Oregon.

The partnership between Nike and Oregon grew further in the last few days, as it was announced that Phil Knight would be essentially providing the Ducks with an "Unlimited NIL amount". The aim of this is to make sure that the Oregon Ducks win a national championship, something that they have never done before.

However, things have not gone according to plan for the sportswear giant at the moment. Sales and profits are at lows not seen in 20 years, and just in 2024, sales are down by 20%, with other shoe companies capitalizing on those losses.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning spoke about the Colorado Buffaloes

While the Oregon Ducks have moved to a new conference, their head coach Dan Lanning has been reflecting on his time in the PAC-12.

One of the things that Lanning commented about was his opinion of the Colorado Buffaloes and their coach, Deion Sanders. In 2023, when both played in the PAC-12, Lanning's Ducks gave the Buffaloes a humiliating defeat, which marked the beginning of Colorado's downfall after their brief rise.

Lanning talked about the Buffaloes' decision to also leave the PAC-12 and move to the Big 12. He said,

"I'm trying to remember what they (the Colorado Buffaloes) won to affect this conference. I don't remember. Do you remember them winning anything? I don't remember them winning anything."

Unlike the Oregon Ducks, who were perennial contenders in the PAC-12 conference title race, the Colorado Buffaloes struggled to get out of last place.

However, just like the Ducks, the Buffaloes are also in a new conference this year. But, the low expectations that surround the program remain.